xxiv INTRODUCTION Though essentially an astronomer and mathematician, Bhas- kara I, in his commentary on the Iryabhatlya> displays a thorough knowledge of Sanskrit grammer and Vedic literature m general, and seems to be well-read in other branches of Sanskrit learning also. As an astronomer Bhaskara I was a follower of Aryabhata I and, as already mentioned, belonged to the Asmaka school of astronomy. His works put before us a complete and clear picture of the teachings of Acarya Aryabhata I and throw fresh light on the development of astronomy during the sixth and seventh centuries A. D. His works are thus of special signi- ficance to historians of Hindu mathematics and astronomy, who are now in a position to have 1 a clear glimpse of the astronomical conditions prevailing in the sixth and seventh centuries A. D. in the Asmaka country which was the main seat of Aryabhata I's system of astronomy. In the absence of the works of Bhaskara I, many a passage in the Iryahhafiya of Aryabhata I would have remained obscure to us. In conclusion I take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Ram Ballabh, Professor of Mathematics, Lucknow University, for taking keen interest in my work and offering helpful suggestions and advice from time to time, and for affording all facilities in my researches. I must also express my thanks to my Research Assistant, Sri Markandeya Misra, Jyotisacharya, for the assistance rendered by him to me. My thanks are also due to Sri R. Chandra of Star Press, Lucknow, for their unfailing courtesy and fare in the printing of this book. K. S. Shukla
